After a mistrial caused by a COVID-19 positive, Lisa Giannelli could be going to federal court in late April as part of the ongoing case surrounding what prosecutors say was a ring of racehorse dopers. Giannelli had originally been grouped with former veterinarian Dr. Seth Fishman at a trial that began in late January, but her case ended in a mistrial after one of her attorneys contracted COVID-19 in the proceeding's second week.
Fishman would go on to be found guilty by jury on two counts of conspiring to violate drug adulteration and misbranding laws in connection with the manufacture of performance-enhancing drugs for racehorses. He could face as much as 20 years in prison. Fishman recently filed a motion seeking to have the two convictions combined into one since they are both on the same charge and, according to his lawyers, encompass overlapping periods of time. His sentencing is scheduled for early May.
Giannelli faces one count of misbranding conspiracy.
In previous court filings, prosecutors have portrayed her as an active sales rep for Fishman's products, while the defense has characterized her role as more of a courier who delivered materials as she was instructed by her employer.
Giannelli's case is listed as having the first back-up slot to begin on April 27. An order from U.S. District Court Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil indicated that a possible upcoming change in COVID-19 policies may allow two jury trials to begin on the same day by late April, which would mean Giannelli's case would proceed on that date. Attorneys are ordered to prepare relevant trial documents like jury instructions and voir dire questions by April 4.
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